MSU Extension Field Crops

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  Insect friend or foe, and how can I know?

  Published on July 23, 2025
  Avoid insect damage and unnecessary insecticide applications by learning the basics of field crops insect identification at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on July 31.

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  Fertigation: A midseason option for fertilizer application to irrigated fields

  Published on July 22, 2025
  Applying fertilizer through irrigation, also known as fertigation, allows irrigators to apply the last increment of nitrogen to their growing crops.

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  Rain gauges are one of the best low-cost tools for saving water

  Published on July 22, 2025
  An accurate rain gauge can help producers take full advantage of rainfall and reduce unnecessary irrigation water use.

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  Reducing heat stress in the field

  Published on July 21, 2025
  Heat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan.

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  Will an improved PLC program pay more often?

  Published on July 17, 2025
  Testing PLC updates against historical prices and looking forward to future support.

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  Drive-by crop identification in southwest Michigan

  Published on July 17, 2025
  Michigan has a diverse agricultural landscape. Learn to identify five of southwest Michigan’s field crops from the comfort of your vehicle.

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  Find out five reliable options for cover cropping after wheat with MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series

  Published on July 17, 2025
  Managing cover crops carefully to avoid unintended consequences that can affect the next crop in the rotation.

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  Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 17, 2025

  Published on July 17, 2025
  Corn is in early reproductive stages, and detasseling in seed corn is in earnest. High temperatures and little precipitation have resulted in spider mite infestations in soybeans.

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  Drain Sedimentation Tool

  Published on July 15, 2025
  The Drain Sedimentation Tool identifies soil at risk of drain clogging.

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  Shallow Drains

  Published on July 15, 2025
  Shallow drains refer to subsurface (tile) drain pipes installed at a depth of 2.5- to 3-ft.

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  Blind Inlet

  Published on July 15, 2025
  A blind inlet is an in-field conservation practice that replaces a surface inlet or drains water from depressional areas on a field.

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  Why Do Subsurface Drainage Systems Underperform?

  Published on July 15, 2025
  Subsurface (tile) drainage removes excess water from the soil to create good fieldwork and crop growth conditions on poorly drained soils. In this bulletin, three common causes for the under-performance of subsurface drainage systems are described.

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  Agricultural Drainage

  Published on July 15, 2025
  This bulletin briefly describes the history, need, types and extent of Michigan drainage as well as the pros and cons, and environmental impact related to drainage.

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  Mole Drains

  Published on July 15, 2025
  Mole drains are unlined tunnels (mole channels)in the clay subsoil formed by a mole plow.

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  Iron Ochre

  Published on July 15, 2025
  This bulletin describes the iron ochre issue and its mitigation methods.

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  Choosing Between 8-Row and 4-Row Regular-Perforated Pipes

  Published on July 15, 2025
  This bulletin compares the properties of two 4-inch diameter pipes: 8-row and 4-row regular-perforated pipes.

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  Choosing Between Sock-Wrapped and Sand-Slot Pipes

  Published on July 15, 2025
  This bulletin describes the condition where sock-wrapped and sand-slot pipes are needed.

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  Strategies for Purchasing Farm Inputs Bulletin is now available

  Published on July 11, 2025
  New resource from MSU Extension’s DEMaND Series.

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  Seed Selection: Beyond Yield and Disease Resistance (Wheat Edition)

  Published on July 10, 2025
  Selecting the right wheat seed for your farm starts and stops with profitability. This factsheet helps you consider what the right seed options are for your farm by looking at profitability factors beyond yield and disease resistance.

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  Seed Selection Beyond Yield and Disease Resistance (Soybean Edition)

  Published on July 10, 2025
  Selecting the right soybean seed for your farm starts and stops with profitability. This factsheet helps you consider what the right seed options are for your farm by looking at profitability factors beyond yield and disease resistance.